Interview: Snow College JUCO Sophomore OT Garett Bolles is Creating a Recruiting Frenzy with Power Five Schools

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The recruiting battle to land Snow College (7-1) sophomore offensive tackle Garett Bolles is reaching a frenzy with several top Division-I programs giving their all to forge that meaningful relationship in hopes of landing the 4-star recruit. Schools like Boise State, Kansas State, South Carolina, Washington State, Florida State, Cal, Missouri, and Michigan State have all extended offers but the big guy has narrowed down his list to a few select schools. In late July, Garett listed out his top schools picking, in alphabetical order, Arizona State, Arkansas Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss, Oregon, and Utah.

For the second round winners in the recruiting process for Bolles, what is at stake is a multi-dimensional lineman that can play the outside or interior and he is able to contribute immediately at the next level. Bolles is listed at 6’6”, 305 pounds, but he might as well be 6’2” with the great pad level he plays at out of his stance. Bolles has great footwork, able to pull if asked to play guard, kicks and slides well, and has long arms able to keep defensive ends and tackles at bay using a strong center of gravity and his overall physical strength.

Another positive the Lehi, Utah, native has going for him over other members of the 2016 recruiting class, he is a couple of years older, wise, and more physically mature than most of his counterparts. Out of high school Bolles went on a two-year mission to Colorado Springs (CO) adding another layer of worldliness to his outlook and approach to life. One thing that could be a hindrance but certainly does not show when watching him fire off at the snap of the ball, he has only been playing on the offensive line for two years. As good as Bolles is now, he still has a lot of upside to his game.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Bolles after Snow College secured a berth in the regional junior college championship game (Western States Football League) to get an overview on the Badgers season, how his sophomore campaign has shaped up, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Garett, Snow is in the WSFL Championship game against Pima, a team you guys just beat a couple of weeks ago (48-27). Do you think you guys will win the championship on Saturday?

“Absolutely, we have a special group of guys. We have a bunch of great guys with a desire to do great things. We just continue to roll. We have great leaders on the team and we put in the work every single day. We made a goal early this season to play one game at a time and work hard and we have done that throughout the season.”

Have you already started preparing for Pima?

“Yes. We played them a couple of weeks ago (Oct. 24) so we are familiar with them. They played Saturday night. I went on Hudl and watched the game. I’m ready to rock and roll.”

What is the strength of this year’s football team?

“I think our overall team character is a strength and the way we hold ourselves every day. That character shows when we go to class, when we’re lifting weights, and all the little things we take care of every day.”

What are your strengths on the field as an offensive lineman?

“My leadership is a strength that I bring to the team. I’m a veteran player with this group. I played last year and this is my last year at Snow College. I’m improving every day working on my quickness and my agility. Our whole offense line is working hard every day. They make me better every day by working hard. We continue to work together. We are a close group and push each other every day. That makes us a special unit.”

For those readers out there who have never seen you play, what are some of the things you do well from a skill set point of view on the field?

“I’ve only played offensive line for two years, I was playing defensive tackle. I think my speed is a positive, I think that is one thing that is unique, and the way I use my hands. I get off the ball well too. I think those are the things that work best for me.”

You missed a couple of years of playing time, what did you do between high school and your first year at Snow?

“I served a mission for my church. The mission was for two years. I got back Feb. 2014.”

Where did you serve your mission?

“Colorado Springs.”

Was the mission a fulfilling event for you in your life?

“Absolutely, it set the tone for the rest of my life on and off the field. I’m getting married Dec. 12. It set the tone for the rest of my life and made me the person I am today. It helped me mature a lot. The Lord is first in everything I do.”

Switching over into recruiting, which schools are pushing hard for your verbal commitment right now?

“I narrowed it down to Georgia, Utah, ASU, Arkansas, and Oregon. The Pac-12 and SEC schools are pushing the hardest, and some Big Ten schools. I’m really grateful to be in my shoes. I’m able to play football and get a good education. It is a blessing from the Lord. I thank him every single day.”

When will you narrow down the list to a Top 2?

“After the trips that I will be taking. I have five or so schools really interested in me and a couple of other programs that have come to the school to talk to me. I’ll think about it and see what happens. Really it’s the same schools that have been in the run for a while now.”

Do you have an idea of which schools will get your official visits?

“Oregon, and one to Arkansas, and Georgia. Those are the only schools for sure right now. I’m working one out in the next two weeks but the others are not finalized yet.”

Somewhat of a similar question as before but maybe from a different viewpoint. When you’ve talked to all the different college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your game?

“They like the way that I move, the way I use my hands, and they see the potential in me. I’ve only played O-line for two years. My best football is two years away from now. If I keep doing what I am doing, I’ll be quicker and I will learn more about the position. The coaches say they like the leadership that I can bring to the team. They see me coming in and competing for a starting positon right away.”

What are the main factors that are important to you when considering a college?

“The character of the program. The character of the head coach, how he runs the program, and his leadership. Relationships are the biggest thing for me. I need to have a good relationship with the O-line coach, the coordinator, and the head coach. Another thing that is important is, liking the place where I will live. The academics are important too and the support that I have from the college is important to me. But the big thing for me is the relationships with the coaches.”

Do you have a timeline when you will make your verbal commitment?

“By the end of January I’ll make my decision.”

So you do not plan on being a mid-term or January enrollee to your college of choice?

“No, I won’t transfer at mid-term. I graduate in May.”

What is your favorite part about playing football?

“The brotherhood that you form. You have these kids that come from all over the country, all with different backgrounds and different life experiences that come together to be a team. Leaders come out of these groups of different backgrounds. I think that’s cool. Everyone has their different problems in life but they all come together to form a brotherhood and become a family. That’s my favorite part.”

Garett, thanks for your time today and good luck in the championship game.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: al.com; No. 74 Garett Bolles.

Photo credit: scout.com; No. 74 Garett Bolles